DOCSLIB.ORG

A Case of Dhaka, Bangladesh

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
A Case of Dhaka, Bangladesh Master Course in Urban Management and Development Specialization: Urban Environment and Infrastructure Management October 2007 - September 2008 Towards Interactive Urban Flood Management: A Case of Dhaka, Bangladesh Sudipta Barua Bangladesh Supervisor: Dr. Jacko van Ast Faculty of Social Sciences Erasmus Centre for Sustainability & Management Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands UMD 4 Report Number: Rotterdam, September 2008 Summary Geographically Bangladesh has a strong relationship with water resources. Flood is a recurrent event in Bangladesh and one of the most well known natural disasters. Dhaka, the capital, is located on the drainage path of the Ganges-Brahmaputra- Meghna basin and annually suffers from river flood due to spill over from the peripheral rivers and storm-water flooding by local rainfall during monsoon season. Since its early days it has faced a number of severe floods. The 1988, 1998 and 2004 were the most catastrophic. As to the urban situation in Bangladesh, the high rate of urbanization in Dhaka has put a serious strain on natural resources (water and land), infrastructures and built environment. To accommodate the influx of people, Dhaka has been steadily expanding on filled-up water bodies and wetlands without a concern for adverse environmental impacts and additional infrastructures and services required to sustain the new developments. The drastic reduction in natural water storage areas, inadequate drainage paths and their improper operation and maintenance are worsening the flooding situation. A planned management of Dhaka city needs an integrated and coordinated flood management. In this light, this research aims at the analysis of the interactive water resources management approaches on potential improvement for urban flood management in Dhaka. Different theories on water resources management are studied to get insight of the concept and elements that are involved in its functioning. The literature study also focused on flood management theories, as it is an important subset of integrated water resources management. The Urban Flood Risk Management based on three concepts: IFM, Total Water Cycle Management and Land use planning. The focus of this concept is to mainstreaming flood risks into the development process. The empirical part of this research is conducted by semi-structured in-depth interviews with open-ended questions regarding the urban flood management in Dhaka. The main finding of the research states that the urban floods in Dhaka are managed in ad hoc manner. Historically, the water resources management in Bangladesh is aimed at flood control to protect crops. This stand-alone approach is also applied in Dhaka to control flood aiming at reducing economic loss and saving human lives. The flood control projects in Dhaka exhibits only short-term economic development. A comprehensive approach for long-term perspectives on economic development with social, ecological environmental conservatory measures are left behind. In addition, the urbanization and flood prevention are closely interlinked in Dhaka. The top-down decision making process together with the less functional integration of the water institutions, failed to manage the urban floods in an integrated manner. The mainstreaming of the flood risks into development planning of Dhaka cannot stand-alone. The introduction of interactive flood management in Dhaka largely depends on the change in political decision- making process. For sustainable urban flood management in Dhaka, there is an urgent need for interaction with societal actors in decision-making process. The interactive approach involves participation of both citizen and stakeholders. Thereby it combines top-down and bottom-up inputs of local knowledge and Towards An Interactive Urban Flood Management: A Case of Dhaka, Bangladesh ii objectives to develop local solutions to the water resources management. The continuous monitoring of the water system helps assessing management strategies and supports the decision-making process. This interaction helps to develop new policy approaches. With response to the current situation of Dhaka, the water and flood mangers need to govern in an interactive way both with society and water system. A coordinated and comprehensive management approach along with strong institutional framework is very important for sustainable development in urban flood management of Dhaka. Keywords: Water resources, Urban Flood, Urban Flood Management, Interactive Water Resources Management, Dhaka. Towards An Interactive Urban Flood Management: A Case of Dhaka, Bangladesh iii Acknowledgement I would first and foremost like to thank my family for their moral support; in particular my father, without his support this work may not have been possible. I would like to express my gratitude to NUFFIC for providing me the opportunity to pursue my master’s degree. My heartfelt thanks go out to the Lecturers at IHS, and to the staff at IHS: Wouter, Ruud, Cocky, Sharon, Nigel, Trudi and Parmelia. I am thankful to my thesis supervisor Dr. Jacko van Ast for his guidance and critical comments throughout the thesis period. I would also like to thank Marc Jansen and Marijk Huysman to help me in shaping my thesis. I would like to specially thank to Mr. Giasuddin Ahmed Choudhury, Executive Director, CEGIS, Professor Shah Alam Khan of BUET, Bushra Nishat from IWM and all those who made time to share information during the field work; my sincere appreciation to you all. I would like to express my appreciation to the following: my friends at IHS and in particular Azizah, Maureen and my roommates Sweesa and Suniana for your support and encouragement. Last but not least, my deepest gratitude goes out to Lord Buddha to show me the right path. Towards An Interactive Urban Flood Management: A Case of Dhaka, Bangladesh iv Abbreviations BWFMS Bangladesh Water and Flood Management Strategy BWDB Bangladesh Water Development Board CUMEC Cubic Meter Per Second DoE Department of Environment DAP Detail Area Plan DCC Dhaka City Corporation DMDP Dhaka Metropolitan Development Plan DSP Dhaka Structure Plan DWASA Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority FAP Flood Action Plan FC Flood Control FCD Flood Control and Drainage FCDI Flood Control and Drainage and Irrigation FPCO Flood Plan Coordination Organization FM Flood Management GoB Government of Bangladesh GIS Geographic Information System GBM Ganges, Brahmaputra and Megna IFM Integrated Flood Management IWRM Integrated Water Resource Management JICA Japan International Cooperation Agency MLGRDC Ministry of Local Government, Rural Department and Cooperatives MoWR Ministry of Water Resources msl Mean Sea Level NWMP National Water Management Plan NWPo National Water Policy RBM River Basin Management SPARRSO Space Research and Remote Sensing Organization SUDS Sustainable Urban Drainage System TWCM Total Water Cycle Management WRM Water Resource Management WARPO Water Resources Planning Organization UAP Urban Area Plan UWM Urban Water Management UFM Urban Flood Management UFRM Urban Flood Risk Management Towards An Interactive Urban Flood Management: A Case of Dhaka, Bangladesh v Glossary Aman A term used in India and Bangladesh for rice crop sown in monsoon and maturing after the monsoon Aquifer A stratum of permeable rock, sand, etc which contains underground water. Biodiversity The variety and variability among the living organisms including the genetic variability within species and populations, of their interactions and the ecological processes. Boro Rice sown, transplanted and maturing in the fry monsoon season. Culvert A structure that connects two waterways and passes underneath a road or railway. Ecosystem The basic ecological unit made up of a community of organisms interacting with their inanimate environment. Infiltration A process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil. Khal Bengali term for a drainage channel, minor river or a tidal creek. Polder Land enclosed by an embankment. Regulator A structure built to control water flow across an embankment at the head of a khal or a structure built in a river or khal to control water. Water is controlled by flap gates, vertical lift gates, fall boards or a combination of these. Riparian Belonging to rivers. Sluice A structure to convey water through an embankment only. Storm water Unfiltered water that reaches streams, lakes, by means of flowing runoff across impervious surfaces such as roads, parking lots, driveways and roofs. Towards An Interactive Urban Flood Management: A Case of Dhaka, Bangladesh vi Table of Contents Summary ............................................................................................. ii Acknowledgement.............................................................................. iv Abbreviations .......................................................................................v Glossary .............................................................................................. vi Table of Contents.............................................................................. vii List of Boxes .........................................................................................x List of Figures ......................................................................................x List of Tables...................................................................................... xi Chapter 1 Introduction .......................................................................1 1.2 Background....................................................................................................1
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Revisit to Dhaka University As the Symbol of Bengal Partition Sowmit Chandra Chanda Dr
    Academic Ramification in Colonial India: Revisit to Dhaka University as the Symbol of Bengal Partition Sowmit Chandra Chanda Dr. Neerja A. Gupta PhD Research Scholar under Dr. Neerja A. Director & Coordinator, Department of Gupta, Department of Diaspora and Diaspora and Migration Studies, SAP, Migration Studies, SAP, Gujarat Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, India. University, Ahmedabad, India. Abstract: It has been almost hundred years since University of Dhaka was established back in 1921. It was the 13th University built in India under the Colonial rule. It was that like of dream comes true object for those people who lived in the eastern part of Indian Sub-continent under Bengal presidency in the British period. But when the Bengal partition came into act in 1905, people from the new province of East Bengal and Assam were expecting a faster move from the government to establish a university in their capital city. But, with in 6 years, the partition was annulled. The people from the eastern part was very much disappointed for that, but they never left that demand to have a university in Dhaka. After some several reports and commissions the university was formed at last. But, in 1923, in the first convocation of the university, the chancellor Lord Lytton said this university was given to East Bengal as a ‘splendid Imperial compensation’. Which turns our attention to write this paper. If the statement of Lytton was true and honest, then certainly Dhaka University stands as the foremost symbol of both the Bengal Partition in the academic ramification. Key Words: Partition, Bengal Partition, Colony, Colonial Power, Curzon, University, Dhaka University etc.
    [Show full text]
  • IIIIIIIII~II.~ 111111111111111 #94~9O- - - - - . "
    " POTENTlAI,s OF SITES OF HISTORICAL MONUMENTS TO CREAn: IMA<;Jo:S OF A CITY THROUGH PLANNING INn:GRATION sm:nZA[) 7..AUlR " " IIIIIIIII~II.~ 111111111111111 #94~9o- - - - - ._" DEPARTMENT OF URBAN AND REGIONAL PLANNING, BANGLADESH UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Buen DHAKA SErTt:MIlF;R 2000 ACCEPTENCE FORM POTENTIALS OF SITF.S OF 1IISTORI(:AL MONUMENTS TO (:REAn: IMAGF.S (W A CITY TIIROII(;III'LANNING INn:GRATION SII EIIZAIl ZAIHR Thesis approved as lo the slyle and contenl hy ....,~-=1~V"n~. ....,-.:l~~~ (Dr' K!\~ Mani~;;.;;~~~'1L~ , c> .., .:!'.. c:>cc:> Assistant Professor Chairman (Supelvisor) Department of Urban and Regional Planning " ~"I"IV'" (Dr Mohanunad A. Mohit) Professor and Head Member (Ex-Otlk.io) Department oftJrban and Regional Planning fI\."-"'-~ .NJJh..' (Mr. A S M. Mahbub -Un-Nabi) Professor Memher Departmcm of Urban and Regional Planning Memher Aeknowledgelnent I express my profound gratitude and indebtedness to my thesis ~upervisor Dr. K. M. Maniruzzaman, Assistant Professor, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, BUET, Dhaka, for his valuable guidance al different stages ormy research work. It would have been quite impossible to complete this research work and give it a final shape without his advice, sympathetil: encouragement and ideal teacherlike attitude, r also express my sincere acknowledgement to Dr, M.A. Muhit, Professor and Head, Department of Urban and Regional Planning, BUET, for his thoughtful advice in the selection of the thesis topic and for providing facilities and necessary SUppOlt to undertake and successfilily complete the thesis work I am also indebted [0 Dr Golam Rahman. PlOfessor Mahhuh-Un Nahi and Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • Download Download
    Creative Space,Vol. 6, No. 2, Jan. 2019, pp. 85–100 Vol.-6 | No.-2 | Jan. 2019 Creative Space Journal homepage: https://cs.chitkara.edu.in/ Study of the Distinguishing Features of Mughal Mosque in Dhaka: A Case of Sat Gambuj Mosque Shirajom Monira Khondker Assistant Professor, Faculty of Architecture and Planning, Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST) Dhaka, Bangladesh. *Email: [email protected] ARTICLE INFORMATION ABSTRACT Received: August 8, 2018 Mosque is the main focal point of Islamic spirit and accomplishments. All over the world in the Revised: October 9, 2018 Muslim settlements mosque becomes an edifice of distinct significance which is introduced by Prophet Accepted: November 17, 2018 Muhammad (Sm.). Since the initial stage of Islam, Muslim architecture has been developed as the base point of mosque. Mosque architecture in medieval time uncovering clearly its sacred identity Published online: January 8, 2019 especially during the pre-Mughal and Mughal period in Bengal. Dhaka, the capital city of independent Bangladesh, is known as the city of mosques. The Mughal mosques of Dhaka are the exceptional example of mosque architecture wherever the ideas and used materials with distinguishing features Keywords: have been successfully integrated in the medieval context of Bengal. In this research study, the author Mughal Mosque, Dhaka city, Sat Gambuj selected a unique historical as well as Dhaka’s most iconic Mughal era Mosque named “Sat Gambuj Mosque, Architectural Features, Structure Mosque” (Seven Domed Mosque). The mosque, built in the 17th century, is a glowing illustration of and Decoration, Distinguishing Features. Mughal Architecture with seven bulbous domes crowning the roof of the mosque, covering the main prayer area.
    [Show full text]
  • 9. Impact Assessment
    Government of The People’s Republic of Bangladesh Ministry of Water Resources Public Disclosure Authorized Bangladesh Water Development Board Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (Draft Final) Volume I (Main Text) Public Disclosure Authorized River Bank Improvement Program (RBIP) February 2015 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of River Bank Improvement Program (RBIP) List of Acronyms ADB Asian Development Bank AEZ Agro ecological zone APHA American Public Health Association BCCSAP Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan BDT Bangladesh Taka BMD Bangladesh Meteorological Department BOD Biological oxygen demand BRE Brahmaputra Right-bank Embankment BSM Brahmaputra system model BWDB Bangladesh Water Development Board CC Cement concrete CIIA Cumulative and Induced Impact Assessment CoP Conference of the Parties CPUE Catch per unit effort CSC Construction supervision consultants DAE Department of Agricultural Extension DC Deputy Commissioner DEM Digital elevation model DFL Design flood level DG Director General DO Dissolved oxygen DoE Department of Environment DoF Department of Fisheries DPP Development Project Proforma DTW Deep tube well EA Environmental assessment ECA Environmental Conservation Act ECC Environmental Clearance Certificate ECoP Environmental Code of Practice ECR Environment Conservation Rules EHS Environment, health, and safety EIA Environmental Impact Assessment Bangladesh Water Development Board ii Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of River Bank
    [Show full text]
  • Climate Change and Water in Bangladesh Information Brief
    CLIMATE CHANGE AND WATER IN BANGLADESH INFORMATION BRIEF Photo: IUCN / Shimanto Dipu KEY POINTS variation of water level and flow and effects on groundwater. • Water and water resources is closely linked with climatic factors and the most • The impacts of climate change will be damaging effects of climate change are more pronounced in some regions. These predicted to be inland and coastal regions have higher concentrations of flooding, low flows and droughts, salinity poverty also. intrusion, changes of the riverbed level due to sedimentation and changes in • This paper highlights key policy gaps and morphological processes due to seasonal suggests for adaption to these effects. INTRODUCTION of ice and snow, frequency of extreme climatic events, evaporation, soil moisture and runoff. Which means Bangladesh is globally known as one of the most climate change and climate variability will have critical vulnerable countries to climate change. For Bangladesh, effects on water and water resources. Moreover, the the most critical is the water sector. This is because impacts of climate change and climate variability on water and water resources is closely linked with climatic water and water resources will affect all aspects of lives factors and the most damaging effects of climate and livelihoods and the overall growth and change are predicted to be floods, salinity intrusion, development of the country’s economy. and droughts. Therefore understanding the impacts on climate change Analysis of climatic data from different stations in is crucial to assessing Bangladesh’s overall vulnerability Bangladesh from 1975 onwards shows a clear sign of to climate change and identification of feasible climate change and climate variability.
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Outdoor Thermal Comfort and Summer PET Range
    Outdoor thermal comfort and summer PET range: A field study in tropical city Dhaka Tania Sharmina,1, Koen Steemers2 and Michael Humphreys3 Abstract Urban microclimate has important consequences on the thermal sensation of pedestrians. However, the extent of this effect may vary as other parameters such as respondents’ personal factors, psychological and behavioural aspects and cultural backgrounds may be involved. This heightens the need for subjective assessment and on-site questionnaire surveys alongside objective field measurements to understand outdoor comfort conditions which is essential for creating sustainable urban spaces. In this study thermal comfort conditions outdoors are examined through field surveys in the high-density, tropical city Dhaka, where extensive microclimatic monitoring has been carried out in parallel to subjective responses of the pedestrians. Microclimatic conditions, which are affected by the urban geometry, are found to be statistically correlated with thermal sensation votes (TSV), with air temperature, globe temperature and mean radiant temperature being the most important parameters (correlation coefficients of r = 0.47, 0.45 and 0.44 respectively). The study also reports the effect of urban geometry parameters on microclimatic conditions, identifying strong correlations with globe temperature (r =-0.50), mean radiant temperature (r =-0.48) and wind speed (r =0.72). Furthermore, the study proposes acceptable ranges (upper limits) for PET for the tropical climate of Dhaka with a ‘Neutral’ range between 29.50 – 32.50C confirming that people in outdoor conditions will feel comfortable at a higher PET range. Keywords: Outdoor thermal comfort; Thermal Sensation Vote (TSV); PET analysis; Tropical climate 1. Introduction Outdoor thermal comfort has become an increasingly important topic in the context of a global trend towards unbridled urbanisation.
    [Show full text]
  • Mughal River Forts in Bangladesh (1575-1688)
    MUGHAL RIVER FORTS IN BANGLADESH (1575-1688) AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL APPRAISAL by Kamrun Nessa Khondker A Thesis Submitted to Cardiff University in Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Philosophy SCHOOL OF HISTORY, ARCHAEOLOGY AND RELIGION CARDIFF UNIVERSITY DECEMBER 2012 1 | P a g e DECLARATION AND STATEMENTS DECLARATION This work has not been submitted in substance for any other degree or award at this or any other university or place of learning, nor is being submitted concurrently in candidature for any degree or other award. Signed …………………………… (Candidate) Date ………………………… STATEMENT 1 This thesis is being submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of M.Phil. Signed …………………………… (Candidate) Date …………………………. STATEMENT 2 This thesis is the result of my own independent work/investigation, except where otherwise stated. Other sources are acknowledged by footnotes giving explicit references. The views expressed are my own. Signed …………………………… (Candidate) Date………………………….. STATEMENT 3 I hereby give consent for my thesis, if accepted, to be available for photocopying and for inter- library loan, and for the title and summary to be made available to outside organisations. Signed ……………………………… (Candidate) Date………………………… 2 | P a g e ABSTRACT The existing scholarship on the Mughal river forts fails to address some key issues, such as their date of construction, their purpose, and the nature of their construction, how they relate to Mughal military strategy, the effect of changes in the course and river systems on them, and their role in ensuring the defence of Dhaka. While consultation of contemporary sources is called for to reflect upon these key issues, it tends to be under- used by modern historians.
    [Show full text]
  • Marginal Women: Independent Earners in Colonial East Bengal
    Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh (Hum.), Vol. 63(2), 2018, pp. 139-162 MARGINAL WOMEN: INDEPENDENT EARNERS IN COLONIAL EAST BENGAL Fairooz Jahan* Abstract Since 19th century, the idea of female emancipation had been a significant part of the socio-economic reform movements undertaken by the western and native intellectuals in colonial Bengal. But these concepts of emancipation did not include women of all classes and castes. It was mainly confined to the upper and newborn middle classes. Women in 19th and 20th century Bengal, like women in other regions were not economically or socially a homogeneous group and their life styles and occupations, according to Sumanta Banerjee, varied depending on whether they were women of rich families, women of middle class or poor women.1According to the government reports of early 20th century, Bengal was a richer province and women did not need to work to the same extent as in Orissa or Bihar. In Bengal, number of women actually working to earn was a little over 2 million and in Orissa and Bihar it was nearly 6.5 million.2 Though the statement leaves a lot of scope for debate, most of these working women were from the poor section of the society. The focus of this paper is on the marginal women who worked independently yet were ignored by most of the political, socio-economic or moral reforms of ‘Bengal Renaissance’. Why and how a section of these marginal women stepped out independently in a high class patriarchy? What setbacks did they face in modern industrial sector? What were the characteristic patterns of their occupations? What was their position compared to other classes of women? -These are the basic issues that are to be addressed in the paper.
    [Show full text]
  • Corporatizing Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority, Bangladesh
    CORPORATIZING DHAKA WATER SUPPLY AND SEWERAGE AUTHORITY, BANGLADESH by Iffat Yesmin Mannan A thesis submitted to the School of Environmental Studies In conformity with the requirements for the degree of Master of Environmental Studies Queen’s University Kingston, Ontario, Canada (January, 2009) Copyright ©Iffat Yesmin Mannan, 2009 Abstract Efforts to commercialize water supply and sanitation in Dhaka, Bangladesh, have been pushed vigorously by internal and external proponents of neo-liberalism. The thesis takes a critical look at these developments and analyzes the role of multinational finance institutions in this process. In particular, it looks into the role of these finance institutions in funding reform projects to corporatize Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA), examining the impacts on end users, especially marginalized sections of society. The thesis describes how, in the process of corporatization, Dhaka WASA is and will continue to be more assertive in its commercial orientation than it was previously. The paper also studies a highly touted ‘successful’ co-operative model for revenue management called Program for Performance Improvement (PPI), seen by some as an alternative to privatization. I argue that the model in fact emerged as a consequence of the commercialization efforts of neoliberal reforms and that the revenue management model has created an isolated business unit with a reclusive management that undermines the egalitarian objectives of the water utility as a public service entity. ii Acknowledgements This research could not have been completed without the many people who directly and indirectly supported and helped me throughout the past two years. First and foremost, I would like to thank my supervisor, David McDonald, for his dedication and input throughout, and also for the warm welcome his family provided.
    [Show full text]
  • Politics and Power Play As Urban Designers of Dhaka City
    POLITICS AND POWER PLAY AS URBAN DESIGNERS OF DHAKA CITY By Mehnaz Tasnim ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Doing this thesis project has involved identifying the topic and depth of research, search for the appropriate material, research of vast amounts of information, taking notes, writing so many drafts that I have lost count, simultaneously working on a design project and putting together all the material as one finished product. The entire process has been one the most rewarding and difficult endeavors in my life so far given its diverse moments of acquiring the most fascinating knowledge, hitting the most unlikely dead ends, getting the most interesting advice and being able to clarifying my personal and professional goals towards the future. I would like to sincerely thank Professor Michael Davis for being a tremendously patient, positive and insightful advisor. His guidance and positivity towards every aspect of my college life, whether it has been choosing classes, applying for internships and doing a study abroad program, has given me the inspiration and determination to pursue this thesis as a way of not only advancing my own knowledge but taking a step towards legitimizing my professionals interests in Urban Design and city development. I would like to sincerely thank Stephanie Brown for being a stellar support in my site analysis and design process. Her total perseverance in helping me achieve my goals to the best of her ability has encouraged me to push beyond my limits by learning and adopting important skills related to project development, completion and presentation. I would like to sincerely thank Professor Vincent Ferraro for both his specific advice related to certain chapters in my thesis and his inspiring insight on world affairs.
    [Show full text]
  • The Urban Spatial Structure of Employment and Its Impacts on Transportation and Urban Development: a Case Study of Dhaka Megacity
    THE URBAN SPATIAL STRUCTURE OF EMPLOYMENT AND ITS IMPACTS ON TRANSPORTATION AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT: A CASE STUDY OF DHAKA MEGACITY Ahsanul Kabir A thesis in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Faculty of the Built Environment University of New South Wales Sydney, Australia July 2013 i ORIGINALITY STATEMENT ‘I hereby declare that this submission is my own work and to the best of my knowledge it contains no materials previously published or written by another person, or substantial proportions of material which have been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma at UNSW or any other educational institution, except where due acknowledgement is made in the thesis. Any contribution made to the research by others, with whom I have worked at UNSW or elsewhere, is explicitly acknowledged in the thesis. I also declare that the intellectual content of this thesis is the product of my own work, except to the extent that assistance from others in the project's design and conception or in style, presentation and linguistic expression is acknowledged.’ Signed …………………………………………….............. Date …………………………………………….............. ii Abstract In recent times, the Asian region has become a central theme in debates on economic growth and urbanization. Asian urbanization shows a distinctive character with accumulation of resources to a few selected cities and, in turn, rapid growth to megacity status. The nature and the scale of urbanization towards these megacities has posed complex and demanding challenges for planners and policymakers dealing with issues of sustainable urban development. One of the most demanding challenges is inadequate understanding of the urban spatial structure – allocation of activities in the urban landscape – of megacities.
    [Show full text]
  • Passive Design Features for Energy-Efficient Residential Buildings in Tropical Climates: the Context of Dhaka, Bangladesh
    KTH Architecture and the Built Environment Passive Design Features for Energy-Efficient Residential Buildings in Tropical Climates: the context of Dhaka, Bangladesh Tahmina Ahsan Stockholm 2009 ___________________________________________________________ KTH, Department of Urban Planning and Environment Division of Environmental Strategies Research - fms Kungliga Tekniska högskolan Degree Project SoM EX 2009-15 www.infra.kth.se/fms MASTER’S THESIS IN ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGIES RESEARCH ABSTRACT This study aimed at identifying passive design features through extensive literature study that can be incorporated in residential buildings to make them energy efficient. The study also aimed at identifying changes in the design process that can affect energy efficiency in residential buildings. It has analyzed the design features of typical residential buildings representative of upper middle income households in Dhaka through a case study conducted in Dhaka. It also analyzed the present electric energy use for cooling and lighting typical residential buildings of upper middle income households in Dhaka and the possible energy savings by adopting certain energy efficient features in the case study building. It also distinguishes the different roles of developers, architects, interior designers, land owners (clients) and residents that can act as a barrier in achieving energy efficiency in residential buildings. The findings from this study indicate that doubling the thickness of external walls on east and west, use of hollow clay tiles instead of weathering course for roofs and use of appropriate horizontal overhang ratios for all four orientations can reduce the cooling load of the case study building by 64% and hence reduce the total energy use of the building by 26%.
    [Show full text]